Pakuranga fatal shooting: Victim dies in vehicle, armed police at scene

• A person has been shot inside a van in the East Auckland suburb of Pakuranga.
• Residents have been told to expect a ‘significant police presence’ in Marvon Down Ave and the surrounding areas.
• Local MP Simeon Brown says he is horrified by the ‘disturbing’ incident.

A person has been shot dead inside a van in an East Auckland suburb.

A van, which has the Post Haste company logo on it, is still sitting on the footpath of Marvon Downs Ave in Pakuranga.

Police descended on the residential street after residents reported hearing a series of gunshots about 6.40am.

One person was found injured inside a van at the intersection of Marvon Downs Ave and Pixie Pl and died at the scene.

“There will be a significant police presence in the area this morning as we work to find out what has occurred and who is responsible,” a police spokesperson said.

Post Haste and Freightways have been approached for comment.

Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown said he was “horrifed” by the shooting.

“This will be incredibly disturbing for the community and neighbours.”

A Marvon Downs Ave resident said he heard six gunshots.

”It sounded like a normal handgun.”

He said quite a few residents phoned police after hearing the shots.

”Nothing like this has happened before.”

He said the residents in the affected house were “nice people”.

The shooting victim died in a courier van. Photo / Jason Oxenham.

Another Pakuranga resident told the Herald from the cordon she heard five or six gunshots.

”They were louder than a firework going off. It sounded like a pop.

”They all went off within a few seconds.”

The woman was awake and having breakfast when she heard the shots.

”I heard it and thought ‘that was weird’. Soon after I heard the sirens and the helicopters.”

She was waiting for her friend’s children, who lived in Pixie Pl, to walk down Marvon Downs Ave to take them to school.

She said police had told her friend to stay inside for at least four hours.

Police standing guard in Marvon Downs Ave where a "critical incident" took place this morning. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Detective Inspector Kerry Watson said from the cordon that it was a “critical incident”.

He was unable to confirm any injuries but said there would be a lot of police resources in the area.

“It’s going to take us some time to piece together what happened in the events that led up to this critical incident.”

Pakuranga residents reported on social media that they had seen at least 14 police cars and several armed officers. Ambulances were also in attendance and the police Eagle helicopter was flying overhead.

Armed police are standing guard at the entrances to the street and a section has been taped off.

pic.twitter.com/PF3WiU1pVX

— Simeon Brown (@SimeonBrownMP) August 18, 2024

Local school Elm Park said a “strong police presence” had responded to the incident.

“Police have responded ... please note there is no immediate danger to Elm Park School,” principal Sarah Baleicakau said in a message to the school community.

“I have spoken to the police this morning and have been fully assured the school can remain open.”

Watson said police would focus on making sure children got to school safely.

Pakuranga residents said they had seen at least 14 police cars and several armed officers. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Some residents said they heard what they believed to be gunshots at 6.40am.

“Doesn’t sound great with that many sirens,” one wrote on social media.

“It’s insane. So many sirens,” said another.

Armed police standing guard in Marvon Downs Ave in Pakuranga after residents heard gunfire. Photo / Jason Oxenham

For students attending Elm Park School this morning, Baleicakau said: “There is a strong police presence, which may inhibit access to the school from the Cascades Rd side.”

Hato Hone St John referred all questions to the police.

Anyone who can provide information is urged to call police on 105 quoting the reference number P059690585.